The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is continuing its effort to keep residents safe and prepared by giving away 1,300 free NOAA weather radios on Tuesday, February 24, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the conference room at the Macon Mall (3661 Eisenhower Pkwy).

In addition to the radios, EMA will distribute 130 pillow shakers and strobe lights designed to alert residents who are deaf or hard of hearing during severe weather events. This year, EMA will be partnering with Disability Connections, a local disability advocacy group to ensure that the right people get the pillow shakers and strobe lights.

“A weather radio is more than a device. It’s a lifeline,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “They deliver trusted alerts straight from the source, even when power or cell service fails, making them essential for community resilience.”

To receive a free weather radio, residents must show a valid Macon-Bibb County ID at the event.

Residents will also be asked to complete a brief survey before receiving a radio. The survey may be completed in advance or onsite at the event. Attendees should be prepared to show confirmation that the survey has been completed, such as a screenshot on their phone. You can register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/weatherradios

Over the past several years, EMA has already distributed more than 4,000 weather radios through community giveaways, helping families across Macon-Bibb stay informed during tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and other emergencies.

People can sign up for MBCAlert by going to www.maconbibb.us/mbcalert or getting the free mobile app, and people are encouraged to follow the Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Hawkins also wants to stress to people that follow local media and weather forecasters on their social media channels to make sure they get as much information as possible about emergencies and severe weather.